Multilevel chain-and-tree model for image-based decisions

ABSTRACT

A multilevel Chain-And-Tree model provides a framework for an image based decision system. The decision system enables separation of effects of defects within one component from other components within a common subject. The framework provides for linking of structure constraints of components of a common subject and for checking and resolving their consistency. The framework allows discrimination between subtle image changes and natural variations of the subject. The framework for standard data representation facilitates production process control.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a framework for processing and extracting information in an image based decision system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] An image-based decision system processes and extracts information from an image or multiple images to make decisions such as the presence of objects of interest, disease, defects; or the acceptance of measurement parameters such as dimensions, intensity, structures, color, relative position and motion, etc. Image-based decision systems have broad applications such as machine vision, non-contact gauging, inspection, robot guidance, medical imaging, etc.

[0003] Many image-based decision tasks involve the detection of defects or gauging of dimensions from man-made manufacturing components, parts or systems. Template matching, golden template comparison and caliper based edge detection are the primary prior art approaches for performing simple machine vision inspection and measurement tasks (Silver, B, “Geometric Pattern Matching for General-Purpose Inspection in Industrial Machine Vision”, Intelligent Vision '99 Conference—Jun. 28-29, 1999).

[0004] There is often a teaching phase and an application phase for an image-based decision system. In the prior art approach, template region(s) or a golden template is selected by a human and stored in the system in the teaching phase. In addition, edge detection calipers are specified at image regions of interest for edge detection through multiple one-dimensional projection and simple differentiation. In the application phase, a template search is applied to locate the template region(s) in the input image. The located template locations are used to establish a reference coordinate system and/or for deriving points and structures for measurements. Edges are detected from each caliper regions and/or a golden template is subtracted from the normalized input image for defect detection or dimensional measurements (Hanks, J, “Basic Functions Ease Entry Into Machine Vision”, Test & Measurement World, Mar. 1, 2000; Titus, J, “Software makes machine vision easier”, Test & Measurement World, Oct. 15, 2001)

[0005] There are many long-standing difficulties with the prior-art approach.

[0006] 1. The prior art teaching process requires human selection of template region(s) and the selection and specification of edge calipers and thresholds for measurements. It is mostly performed in an ad-hoc fashion that often requires experienced personnel and an extensive trial-and-error process. The effectiveness of the resulting inspection process is highly dependent on the experience level of the person who sets up the process. This is inconsistent, expensive, and manual (i.e. not automatic).

[0007] 2. The prior art approach is intended for simple inspection tasks that check simple measurement results against a pre-defined tolerance for a Pass/Fail decision. The measurements are designed according to the convenience of the machine vision system. They often lack physical meaning and do not usually smoothly correlate to physical changes. Therefore, they may only be able to detect gross defects and will have difficulty discriminating between subtle changes and natural variations. For example, a hole measurement algorithm may incorrectly reject a hole due to tilt of the object (for example, caused by a component staging variation) being measured even though the hole is correctly manufactured. Algorithms could be developed to check the tilt angle and other factors before making the hole measurement. However, there may be cases that an incorrectly manufactured hole is mistakenly accepted as a good hole in a tilted object even though the object is not tilted. The creation of a robust algorithm that compensates for different factors requires advanced knowledge, experience and the resulting algorithm could be rather complicated and difficult to test. Some prior-art approaches provide pre-packaged solutions for high volume and well-defined applications to ease this difficulty. However, the pre-packaged approach lacks the flexibility to optimize and adjust configuration and process for many applications.

[0008] 3. In objects with many components, there is no systematic way of separating variation effects of each component. Therefore, in order to accommodate components with large variations, defects in components with small variations may be missed. Conversely, in order to detect defects in components with small variations, false alarms may be detected from components with large variations.

[0009] 4. In objects with many components, there is no systematic way of separating effects of each component. Therefore, a defective component in an object may hinder the ability of the inspection system to properly inspect the other components of the object that may also be defective.

[0010] 5. There is no systematic way of linking structure constraints of components of a common object and check and resolve their consistency. For example, a line on component 1 is designed to be parallel to a line on component 2. When a 10 degree rotation is detected in line component 1, line component 2 is assumed to be rotated by 10 degrees as well. If the measured rotation angle of line component 2 does not match that of line component 1, a method of conflict resolution and estimate refinement should be provided. This is not included in the prior art framework. Special application dependent ad-hoc approach is sometimes used in prior art if the structure linkage is desirable.

[0011] 6. There is a wealth of design and structure information that are inherently available in manufactured parts. As the quality and precision requirement in manufacturing becomes increasingly important, inspection data becomes a critical resource for production process control. The prior art inspection process only acquires the specific data that are explicity taught into the inspection system. These data are often rather limited. Furthermore, the acquired data are stored in an ad-hoc fashion. There is no standard format and structure of the data. This shortcoming significantly limits the usefulness of machine vision data for statistical process control, process trend and failure analysis and increases the difficulty for users.

[0012] 7. Prior art approaches cannot be easily generalized to three-dimensional inspection with flexible viewing distance and angles such as parts without fixtures.

Objects and Advantages

[0013] An object of this invention is to provide an original framework that will fundamentally resolve the prior art difficulties listed in the Background section. The objectives of the multilevel Chain-And-Tree (CAT) model of this invention are:

[0014] 1. Provide a framework to automatically or semi-automatically teach a specific application to an image-based decision system.

[0015] 2. Provide framework discrimination between subtle changes and natural variations.

[0016] 3. Provide a framework for separating variation effects of each component.

[0017] 4. Provide a framework for removing defect effects of one component from other components in a common subject.

[0018] 5. Provide a framework for linking the structure constraints of the components of a common subject and check and resolve their consistency.

[0019] 6. Provide a framework and standard data representation to facilitate production process control.

[0020] 7. Provide a framework that can be easily extended to three or higher dimensional image decisions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] An image based decision method uses a multilevel Chain-And-Tree (CAT) model to organize and process image information to create a CAT reference model, a CAT processing model, a CAT result model. The models derive from a learning image, inspection specification, CAD information, or application knowledge either automatically or semi-automatically to produce a measurement or pass/fail result output.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The preferred embodiments and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are provided for the purpose of describing embodiments of the invention and not for limiting same, in which:

[0023]FIG. 1 shows an application scenario of the CAT based ID system;

[0024]FIG. 2 shows a multilevel CAT model illustration;

[0025]FIG. 3A shows an example of 4 parallel lines;

[0026]FIG. 3B shows a complete relational graph representation of the case in FIG. 3A;

[0027]FIG. 3C shows a CAT representation of the relations of the case in FIG. 3A. In

[0028]FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C, each line is represented by a circular node and the parallelism relation is represented by a double arrow line segment connecting two nodes.

[0029]FIG. 3D shows an example of 4 concentric circles;

[0030]FIG. 3E shows a complete relational graph representation of the case in FIG. 3D;

[0031]FIG. 3F shows a CAT representation of the relations of the case in FIG. 3D. In FIG. 3E and FIG. 3F, each circle is represented by a circular node and the concentricity relation is represented by a double arrow line segment connecting two nodes;

[0032]FIG. 4 shows an expanded application scenario of the CAT based ID system that includes a processing CAT model;

[0033]FIG. 5 shows the class diagram of a software implementation of the CAT model;

[0034]FIG. 6A shows a bearing image;

[0035]FIG. 6B shows a CAT mapping of the image in FIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] I. Concept

[0037] This invention provides a general framework for an Image-based Decision (ID). The Chain-And-Tree (CAT) model of this invention:

[0038] 1. provides a framework to automatically or semi-automatically teach a specific application to an image-based decision system;

[0039] 2. provide a framework for discrimination between subtle changes and natural variations in an image-based decision system;

[0040] 3. provides a framework for separating variation effects of each component in an image-based decision system;

[0041] 4. provides a framework for removing defect effects of one component from other component in a common subject;

[0042] 5. provide a framework for linking the structure constraints of the components of a common subject and to check and resolve their consistency;

[0043] 6. provides a framework and standard data representation to facilitate production process control;

[0044] 7. provides a framework that can be easily generalized to three-dimensional or higher dimensional image decisions.

[0045] II. Overview

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the application scenario is shown in FIG. 1. A reference CAT model 106 is created 104 using a reference model basis that includes inspection specification and/or learning image 102 and/or application knowledge 100 during the learning phase. The inspection specification 102 specifies the desired features for inspection and/or measurements. It could be specified by a user or automatically learned by the system using normal and defect images. The application knowledge 100 could be a typical image of the subject, a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of the subject or entered by user through a user interface. The reference CAT model 106 consists of the basic structure and attribute values of an ideal subject and its tolerance ranges. A new image 108 is used to create 110 a result CAT model 112. The result CAT model 112 is the structure storing the measurement results of new image 108. The reference CAT model 106 and result CAT model 112 are compared 114 to determine the pass/fail status of the new image and/or measurement values 116 of image features of interest. In one embodiment of the invention, the comparison 114 is a simple check of the measurement results stored in result CAT model against the tolerance ranges stored in the reference CAT model. A new image 108 fails the inspection if any of its measurements of interest is outside the tolerance range. Otherwise, it passes the inspection.

[0047] III. Multi-Level CAT Model

[0048] A multi-level CAT model represents a subject by its components and their relations at multiple levels. The relations between components are represented as a chain or a tree link. In one embodiment of the invention, the CAT model is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0049] III.1 CAT Model Elements

[0050] A CAT model contains at least one CAT chain or one CAT tree. CAT chain and CAT tree consists of CAT nodes.

[0051] A. CAT node

[0052] A CAT node is the basic unit of a CAT model. In one embodiment of the invention, there are four different types of CAT nodes: (1) chain root node 200, (2) chain node 202, (3) tree root node 204, and (4) tree node 206. A CAT node is a Join node 210, if it connects to a chain root node or a tree root node at lower level. A CAT node is a Tail node 208, if it is the last chain node or a terminal node of a tree in a given level. All CAT nodes, except the model root node, have one parent node. Each chain node has one child node at the same level, if it is not a tail node. Each tree node has one or more child nodes at the same level, if it is not tail node. Each CAT node has a “depth” attribute that represents the distance to its chain/tree root node. A root node has the depth of 0, and its children have the depth of 1, and so on.

[0053] B. CAT Chain and CAT Tree

[0054] A CAT chain contains at least one chain root node plus one or more chain nodes. A CAT tree contains at least one tree root node plus one or more tree nodes. Each CAT chain/tree has a “level” attribute that is the number of root nodes it has to pass through to reach the CAT model root node.

[0055] C. CAT Model

[0056] A CAT model contains at least one CAT chain or one CAT tree. Each CAT model has one model root node that is either a chain root node or a tree root node.

[0057] The CAT model of this invention offers a great flexibility in modeling an object. It has many advantages. Firstly, it allows the decomposition of a subject into components and relations. This allows a complicated object to be represented by a related set of simple components. Using simple components allows the pre-definition of the processing method, measurements and relations. For example, a bearing could be represented by multiple related simple circle or ring components.

[0058] The relationships between components of an object are expressed in a pair-wise fashion by chain or tree links in the CAT model. This allows a simplified representation of the complete relations. The advantage of the pair-wise relation of this invention allows efficient uses and handling of the relations. This is illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3B, the complete relational graph representation of 4 parallel lines (see FIG. 3A) includes 6 relations. Line 300 is parallel (i.e. has a relationship) to line 302, to line 304, to line 306. Line 302 is also parallel to line 306 and line 304 is parallel to line 302 and to line 306. This is simplified in the CAT representation of this invention. Only 3 relations are required. Relation 1: line 300 is parallel to line 302. Relation 2: line 302 is parallel to line 304. Relation 3: line 304 is parallel to line 306. The complete relations can be inferred from this simplified chain of relations, but are not needed to represent the constraints. Simplifying the relations leads to simplified processing structures.

[0060] Similarly, a CAT representation (FIG. 3F) rather than a complete graph representation (FIG. 3E) can represent 4 concentric circles (FIG. 3D). Concentric circles 310, 312, 313, 314 have 6 concentricity relations shown in FIG. 3E. The CAT relations are shown in FIG. 3F wherein Circle 310 is concentric with circle 312. Circle 312 is concentric with 313 and circle 310. Circle 313 is concentric with 314 and concentric with 312. The efficiency improvement by CAT representation is significant for complicated objects that consist of many components and relations between components. In some cases, the complete relations may not be able to be inferred from the simplified relations yet the simplified representation can almost always encompass the important relations in practical applications.

[0061] III.2 CAT Component Elements

[0062] As described above, a CAT model contains one or more CAT nodes. Each CAT node contains one CAT component that is a part of the real object described by the CAT model. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a CAT component is specified by its type and attributes as well as its relations.

[0063] III.2.1 CAT Component Type

[0064] CAT components include simple geometric entities such as ring, circle, arc, square, rectangle, line, cube, cylinder, cone, text, character, barcode, 2D symbology, arbitrary shape, or a group of components associated by its own CAT.

[0065] Those skilled in the art should recognize that other component types could be defined including three-dimensional or higher dimensional (such as including colors) entities or parts specific to an application such as different types of integrated circuit chips or different types of screws, etc.

[0066] III.2.2 CAT Component Features

[0067] Each component has associated attributes or features such as location (centroid, bounding box, etc.), rotation angle, scale, 1-dimensional measurement (width, length, radius, etc.), 2-dimensional measurement (area, aspect ratio, etc.), boundary points (link list, boundary point statistics), shape features (compactness, eccentricity, moments, Fourier descriptors, etc.), intensity features (mean density, standard deviation density, integrated density, etc.), texture features (co-occurrence statistics, run-length statistics, fractal dimension statistics, etc.), structure features for children components (number of components, average feature distance between components, etc.), text content or character value (for text or character components).

[0068] A reference CAT model 106 represents an ideal subject and its tolerances. Therefore, its feature attributes include not only the nominal values but also the tolerance ranges. Furthermore, it may store attributes such as a template image or valid character sets (for a character component) to facilitate pass/fail decision.

[0069] A result CAT model 112 represents an instance of the subject that is measured from the input image. Its feature attributes store the measured values. Additional attributes such as presence/absence of the component can also be included.

[0070] Those skilled in the art should recognize that other component features can be defined including color or three-dimensional features or features specific to an application.

[0071] III.2.3 CAT Component Relations

[0072] The relations between CAT nodes (such as CAT chains or CAT trees) can be represented by their links. The relations between CAT nodes are associated with the links. Since a CAT node can have only one parent yet it could have multiple children, the relations between nodes can be conveniently specified in the link between a CAT node to its parent node. In one embodiment of the invention, the relations include without limitation:

[0073] Distance: The distance between two components

[0074] Adjacency: such as touching, overlapping, etc.

[0075] InsideOutside: such as inside, outside, etc.

[0076] Parallelism

[0077] Perpendicularity

[0078] Concentricity

[0079] BetweenAngle: The angle between component major axes of a child node and its parent node.

[0080] AreaRatio: The ratio between component areas of the child node and its parent node.

[0081] LengthRatio: The ratio between component major axis lengths of the child node and its parent node.

[0082] Those skilled in the art should recognize that other component relations could also be defined including color, three-dimensional relations or parts specific relations.

[0083] III.3 Processing CAT Model

[0084] In another embodiment of the invention, a CAT model can also represent the image-based decision algorithm process; FIG. 4 illustrates the expanded application scenario of this invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a reference CAT model 104 is created using an inspection specification and/or learning image and/or application knowledge during the learning phase. The inspection specification 102 specifies the desired features for inspection and/or measurements. It could be specified by the user or automatically learned by the system after being shown normal and defected images. The application knowledge 100 could be a typical image of the subject, a CAD model of the subject or entered by a user through a user interface. The reference CAT model 106 consists of the basic structure and attribute values of an ideal subject and its tolerance ranges. A processing CAT model 402 is created 400 from the reference CAT model 106 and/or the inspection specification and/or learning image 102 in the learning phase. The processing CAT model 402 stores the processing algorithm and sequence that will be applied to a new image 108 to create 110 a result CAT model in the application phase.

[0085] A result CAT model 112 is used to represent the measurement results of a new image 108. The reference CAT model 106 and result CAT model 112 are compared 114 to determine the pass/fail status of the new image and/or measurement values of image features of interest. In one embodiment of the invention, the comparison is a simple check of the measurement results stored in the result CAT model 112 against the tolerance ranges stored in the reference CAT model 106. A new image fails the inspection 116 if any of its measurements of interest is outside the tolerance range. Otherwise, it passes the inspection.

[0086] The processing CAT model 402 includes detection methods associated with the CAT component type. For example, caliper edge detection can be associated with a CAT component in a processing CAT model for the detection of a regular shape CAT component such as ring, circle, arc, square, rectangle, and line, etc. A template matching method can be associated with a CAT component in a processing CAT model for the detection of an arbitrary shape CAT component.

[0087] In addition, measurement methods are associated with CAT component features. For example, rotation angle, scale, area, shape, density measurement functions can be defined in a processing CAT model to measure the desired features for the result CAT model. The processing CAT model 402 provides a framework to define and execute an image-based decision algorithm. This overcomes the prior-art difficulty of an inconsistent ad-hoc algorithm. It also provides a direct link between algorithm representation and subject and result model to facilitate easy comprehension, update, changes and debugging.

[0088] Those skilled in the art should recognize that other object modeling and representation methods can be used in the application scenario of this invention. For example, a Computer-aided Design (CAD) representation can be used instead of the CAT model.

[0089] This invention uses a common structure (either CAD or CAT or other model) for a reference model, a processing model and a result model to perform image based decision processing.

[0090] III.4 A Software Implementation

[0091] In one embodiment of the invention, the CAT model is implemented as software functions. The class diagram of the software implementation is shown in FIG. 5.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 5, a CATModel 500 contains one or more CAT nodes 501. Each CATNode 501 contains one CATComponent 502.

[0093] The CATComponent 502 types include CATRing 503, CATCircle 504, CATArc 505, CATSquare 506, CATRectangle 507, CATLine 508, CATText 509, CATCharacter 510, CATArbShape 511, and CATGroup 512. CATComponent types are a sub-class of the CATComponent 502 class.

[0094] Each CATComponet 502 contains an instance of CATMeasurement 513, CATRelations 514, CATFeatures 515, CATInspection 516, and CATLearning 517 classes. The CATTemplate 518 types include RingTemplate 519, CircleTemplate 520, ArcTemplate 521, SquareTemplate 522, RectangleTemplate 523, LineTemplate 524, TextTemplate 525, Character Template 526, ArbShapeTemplate 527, and GroupTemplate 528. Each CATTemplate type is a sub-class of the CATTemplate 518 class.

[0095] The CATDetection types 529 include RingDetection 530, CircleDetection 531, ArcDetection 532, SquareDetection 533, RectangleDetection 534, LineDetection 535, TextDetection 536, ArbShapeDetection 538, and GroupDetection 539. CATDetection types are sub-class of the CATDetection 529 class.

[0096] III.4.1 CATModel Class

[0097] CATModel class 500 represents a Chain-And-Tree (CAT) model.

[0098] Attributes:

[0099] ModelRootNode: CATNode

[0100] The root node of the CAT model.

[0101] originalImage: Image

[0102] The original image that has the picture of the whole object of interest.

[0103] numLevels: int

[0104] Number of level of chain/tree in the CAT model.

[0105] Operations:

[0106] createCATModel(CHAIN/TREE, CATComponent)

[0107] Create the CAT model and add the model root node.

[0108] addChainRootNode(Level, Chain/Tree Index, Node Index, CATComponent): bool

[0109] Add a chain root node into the CAT model. Level is the level of the parent node. Chain/Tree Index is the chain/tree index of the parent node. Node Index is the node index of the parent node. The parent node becomes a Join Node after the chain root node is created.

[0110] addChainChildNode(Level, Chain/Tree Index, Node Index, CATComponent): bool

[0111] Add a chain node into the CAT model.

[0112] addTreeRootNode(Level, Chain/Tree Index, Node Index, CATComponent): boot

[0113] Add a tree root node into the CAT model. The parent node becomes a Join Node after the tree root node is created.

[0114] addTreeChildNode(Level, Chain/Tree Index, Node Index, CATComponent): bool

[0115] Add a tree node into the CAT model.

[0116] plotCATModelDiagram( ): bool

[0117] Plot the CAT model diagram.

[0118] detectCATModel( ): bool

[0119] Detect the CAT model components in a given image.

[0120] displayDetectedCATModel( ): bool

[0121] Display detected CAT model components.

[0122] extractFeatures( ): bool

[0123] Calculate features of CATComponents of all or some CAT nodes.

[0124] getRelations( ): bool

[0125] Calculate the relationship features among CAT components of a parent node and its child nodes.

[0126] performInspection( ): bool

[0127] Checking component attributes against given tolerances.

[0128] performPatternMatching( ): bool

[0129] Perform pattern matching to find a certain component.

[0130] performFeatureLearning( ): bool

[0131] Perform feature learning.

[0132] performToleranceLearning( ): bool

[0133] Perform tolerance learning.

[0134] performOnlineLearning( ): bool

[0135] Perform online learning.

[0136] performLearningAcceleration( ): bool

[0137] Perform learning acceleration.

[0138] III.4.2 CATNode Class

[0139] CATNode class 501 represents an individual node of a CAT model 500. Each CATNode linked to a CATComponent that is a part of the real object described by the CAT model.

[0140] Attributes:

[0141] nodeClass: int

[0142] NORMAL_NODE=0

[0143] ROOT_NODE=1

[0144] TAIL_NODE=2 (default)

[0145] nodeType: int

[0146] CHAIN_NODE=0

[0147] TREE_NODE=1

[0148] isJoinNode: bool

[0149] Join node=true

[0150] Non-join node=false

[0151] linkedRootNode: CATNode

[0152] Linked root node. For Join node only.

[0153] parentNode: CATNode

[0154] The parent node.

[0155] childNodes: List

[0156] A list of child nodes.

[0157] similarChildren: bool

[0158] Children are alike=true

[0159] Children are not alike=false

[0160] level: int

[0161] The level of the CAT tree/chain the node belongs to.

[0162] CATIndex: int

[0163] The index of a CAT tree/chain in the level it belongs to.

[0164] nodeIndex: int

[0165] Index of the node in a CAT chain/tree.

[0166] depth: int

[0167] The depth of the node inside a CAT chain/tree. It is the unit distance from a node to its root node.

[0168] maxDepth: int

[0169] Maximum depth of the chain/tree. For root node only.

[0170] numCATNodes: int

[0171] Number of CAT nodes in a chain/tree. For tree root node only.

[0172] catComponent: CATComponent

[0173] Reference to a CATComponent.

[0174] Operations:

[0175] plotCATNode( ): bool

[0176] Plot the CAT node.

[0177] III.4.3 CATComponent Class

[0178] CATComponent class 502 represents a physical component that is a part of the real object described by the CAT model.

[0179] Attributes:

[0180] componentType: int

[0181] Ring=1

[0182] Circle=2

[0183] Arc=3

[0184] Square=4

[0185] Rectangle=5

[0186] Line=6

[0187] Text=7

[0188] Character=8

[0189] Arbitrary shape=9

[0190] Group=10

[0191] catMeasurement: CATMeasurement

[0192] catRelations: CATRelations

[0193] catFeatures: CATFeatures

[0194] catInspection: CATInspection

[0195] catLearning: CATLearning

[0196] Operations:

[0197] virtual detectCompnent( ): bool

[0198] Detect the component on a given image.

[0199] virtual displayDetectedComponent( ): bool

[0200] Display detected component.

[0201] performMeasurement( ): bool

[0202] Perform basic measurements.

[0203] extractFeatures( ): bool

[0204] Calculate features of CATComponent.

[0205] getRelations( ): bool

[0206] Calculate the relationship features between parent node and child nodes or among child nodes.

[0207] performInspection( ): bool

[0208] Checking measured component features against given tolerances

[0209] performPatternMatching( ): bool

[0210] Perform pattern matching to find the component.

[0211] performFeatureLearning( ): bool

[0212] Perform feature learning.

[0213] performToleranceLearning( ): bool

[0214] Perform tolerance learning.

[0215] performOnlineLearning( ): bool

[0216] Perform online learning.

[0217] performLearningAcceleration( ): bool

[0218] Perform learning acceleration.

[0219] III.4.4 CATTemplate Class

[0220] CATTemplate class 518 defines the expected look, locations, and searching ranges for the component detection or pattern matching.

[0221] Attributes:

[0222] templateImage: Image

[0223] Template image to be used for detection or pattern matching.

[0224] multiResolutionTemplateImage: Image

[0225] Multi-resolution template image to be used for detection or pattern matching.

[0226] searchingROI: ROI

[0227] The region to find the component.

[0228] startingLocations: List of points

[0229] The locations to start component searching.

[0230] startingMask: Image

[0231] A mask indicates where to start component searching.

[0232] Operations:

[0233] setTemplateImage( ): bool

[0234] To set up the template image.

[0235] setSearchingROI( ): bool

[0236] To set up region for component searching.

[0237] setStartingLocations( ): bool

[0238] To set up locations for component searching.

[0239] setStartingMask( ): bool

[0240] To set up mask for component searching.

[0241] III.4.5 CATDetection Class

[0242] CATDetection class 529 is for component detection or pattern matching using information provided by CATTemplate 518.

[0243] Attributes:

[0244] detectedMask: Image

[0245] A binary image that represents the detected component.

[0246] scale: float

[0247] The ratio between detected component size and the expected size.

[0248] rotationAnlge: float

[0249] The angle between detected component angle and the expected angle.

[0250] Operations:

[0251] performDetection( ): bool

[0252] Detect the component.

[0253] patternMatching( ): bool

[0254] Perform pattern matching to find the component.

[0255] III.4.6 CATMeasurement Class

[0256] CATMeasurement class 513 is for calculating and holding basic features of a component after the detection is done.

[0257] Attributes:

[0258] area int

[0259] Component area in number of pixels

[0260] boundingBox: ROI

[0261] The bounding box surrounding the component.

[0262] center: Point

[0263] Component center—center of the bounding box.

[0264] centroid: Point

[0265] Centroid of the component.

[0266] occlusion: bool

[0267] View of the object is blocked by other objects=true

[0268] Otherwise=false

[0269] width/height: float

[0270] For rectangular component.

[0271] length: float

[0272] For line component.

[0273] innerRadius/outerRadius: float

[0274] For circle, ring, and arc component.

[0275] numCharacters/validCharacterSets: int

[0276] For text component.

[0277] boundaryPointsStatistics: list

[0278] Boundary points statistics

[0279] Operations:

[0280] getBasicMeasurements( ): bool

[0281] Cacluates area, boundingBox, center, and centroid of the component.

[0282] getWidthAndHeigh( ): bool

[0283] Calculate width and height of a rectangular component.

[0284] getLineLength( ): bool

[0285] Calculate the length of a line component.

[0286] getRadius( ): bool

[0287] Calculate inner/outer radius of a circle, ring, or arc component.

[0288] countNumberOfCharacters( ): bool

[0289] Count the number of characters in the text component.

[0290] III.4.7 CATRelations Class

[0291] CATRelation class 514 is for calculating and holding relationship features that represent relations between components of a child node and its parent node, and relations among components of child nodes.

[0292] Attributes:

[0293] distance: int

[0294] The distance between two components' centroids of the child node and its parent node.

[0295] adjacency: int

[0296] Untouched=0

[0297] Touching=1

[0298] Overlapping=2

[0299] insideOutside: int

[0300] NotApplied=0

[0301] Inside=1

[0302] Outside=2

[0303] isParallel: bool

[0304] Parallel=true

[0305] Not parallel=false

[0306] isPerpendicular: bool

[0307] Perpendicular=true

[0308] Not perpendicular=false

[0309] isConcentric: bool

[0310] Concentric=true

[0311] Not concentric=false

[0312] betweenAngle: float

[0313] The angle between component major axes of child node and its parent node.

[0314] areaRatio: float

[0315] Ratio between component areas of the child node and its parent node.

[0316] lengthRatio: float

[0317] Ratio between component major axis lengths of the child node and its parent node.

[0318] childrenStatusList: List of ints

[0319] Types of status: normal=0, broken=1, missing=2.

[0320] betweenDistanceList: List of floats

[0321] Distance between centroids of two neighboring child component pair.

[0322] Operations:

[0323] getReloationWithParent( ): bool

[0324] Calculate all relationship features between components of a child node and its parent node.

[0325] getReloationAmongChildren( ): bool

[0326] Calculate all relationship features among components of child nodes.

[0327] III.4.8 CATFeatures Class

[0328] CATFeatures class 515 is for calculating and holding components features.

[0329] Attributes:

[0330] orginalImage: Image

[0331] The original image.

[0332] componentMask: Image

[0333] The binary component mask (a result of detection).

[0334] referenceImage: Image

[0335] A reference image for feature calculation.

[0336] selectedFeatures: List of strings

[0337] A list of selected features.

[0338] featureValues: List of floats

[0339] Feature values of the selected features.

[0340] Operations:

[0341] calculateAllFeatures( ): bool

[0342] Calculate all selected features.

[0343] saveFeatureValuesToFile( ): bool

[0344] Save all feature values to a file.

[0345] displayFeatureValues( ): bool

[0346] Display feature values.

[0347] III.4.9 CATInspection Class

[0348] CATInspection class 516 is for inspecting a component by comparing selected component features against their tolerances.

[0349] Attributes:

[0350] featureList: List of String

[0351] List of selected features.

[0352] featureValues: List of floats

[0353] Feature values of the selected features.

[0354] featureTolerances: List of Tolerances

[0355] List of tolerances for selected featrues.

[0356] Operations:

[0357] performInspection( ): bool

[0358] Perform the inpsection.

[0359] setTolerances( ): bool

[0360] Set up tolerances for selected featrues.

[0361] III.4.10 CATLearning Class

[0362] CATLearning class 517 is for feature learning, tolerance learning, online learning, and learning acceleration.

[0363] Attributes:

[0364] featureValues: List of floats

[0365] List of feature values.

[0366] scores: List of floats

[0367] List of scores.

[0368] thresholds: List of floats

[0369] List of thresholds.

[0370] Operations:

[0371] getCalculateScores( ): bool

[0372] Calculate scores.

[0373] performFeatureLearning( ) bool

[0374] Perform feature learning.

[0375] performToleranceLearning( ): bool

[0376] Perform tolerance learning.

[0377] performOnlineLearning( ): bool

[0378] Perform online learning.

[0379] performLearningAcceleration( ): bool

[0380] Perform learning acceleration.

[0381] Those skilled in the art should recognize that other software class definitions or different software, firmware, or hardware implementations of the CAT model could be used without deviating from the essence of this invention.

[0382] IV. A CAT Model Example

[0383] A CAT model can be generated by users manually or generated from CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data automatically. The significant components of a subject are assigned a CAT node and the relations between components are encoded through chain or tree links. FIG. 6A shows a bearing image and FIG. 6B shows a CAT mapping of the image in FIG. 6A.

[0384] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, CAT node 0 610 is the model root node that corresponds to the dark ring of the inner race 600. CAT node 0 610, node 1 611, node 2 612, node 3 613 and node 4 614 are modeled by chain (0) at level 0 615. In this chain, node 1 611 is the bright region of inner race 608; node 2 612 is the ring shaped region that covers the bearings 609; node 3 613 is the retainer 604; and node 4 614 is the outer race 603. Node 1 at Level 0: Chain(0) 617 contains the part labels that are separated into 4 text regions modeled as tree nodes (nodes 1, node 8, node 12 and node 16 at Level 1: Tree(0)617). Each text region further consists of characters that are represented by deeper tree nodes (nodes 2-7, nodes 9-11, nodes 13-15, and nodes 17-23).

[0385] Node 2 612 at Level 0: Chain(0) consists of 14 bearings. The bearings are modeled as tree nodes at Level 1: Tree(1) 616 (nodes 1, 4, 7, 10, . . . , 40). Each bearing consists of two elements. They are again modeled as deeper tree nodes (nodes 2, 3, 5, 6, . . . 41, 42).

[0386] IV.1 Inspection Specification and Associated Components and Features

[0387] The inspection specification and associated components and features in this example is:

[0388] 1. Find the center position of the bearing so that no fixture is required. The associated component and feature is Node (0,0,0): centroid.

[0389] 2. Measure radii: R1 600, R2 601, R3 602 and R4 605. The associated components and features are Node (0,0,0): inner radius; Node (0,0,1): outer radius; Node (0,0,3): inner radius and Node (0,0,3): outer radius.

[0390] 3. Confirm no defects in the inner race and retainer. That is, measure inner race eccentricity (between the boundary points and center radius deviation). The associated component and feature is Node (0,0,0): inner boundary point-to-center statistics.

[0391] 4. Count the number of bearings. The associated component and feature is Node (1,1,0): children count.

[0392] 5. Inspect bearings for missing or gross defects and inter-bearing spacing. The associated components and features are Node (1,1,0): children centroid sequential spacing; Node (1,1,X+1): area; Node (1,1,X+2): area. For X=1+3Y where Y=0 to 13.

[0393] 6. Measure radii R5 618 and R6 607 of outer race. The associated component and feature is Node (0,0,4): inner radius and Node (0,0,4): outer radius.

[0394] 7. Confirm no defects in the outer race. That is, measure outer race eccentricity (between the boundary points and center radius deviation). The associated component and feature is Node (0,0,4): inner boundary point-to-center statistics.

[0395] 8. Part ID: The associated components and features are Node (1,0,[2,3,4,5,6,7]): character; Node (1,0,[9,10,11]): character; Node (1,0,[13,14,15]): character; Node (1,0,[17,18,19,20,21,22,23]): character.

[0396] IV.2 Relations Between Linked Components

[0397] The relations between linked components that could enhance the CATID is defined as follows:

[0398] 1. Node (0,0,1) vs. Node (0,0,0): concentricity

[0399] 2. Node (0,0,2) vs. Node (0,0,1): concentricity

[0400] 3. Node (0,0,3) vs. Node (0,0,2): concentricity

[0401] 4. Node (0,0,4) vs. Node (0,0,3): enclosing

[0402] 5. Node (1,0,[1,8,12,16]) vs. Node (1, 0, 0): baseline concentricity

[0403] IV.3 CAT Model Creation

[0404] In software implementation embodiment of the invention, the CAT model of the example subject is created by the following function calls.

[0405] Create Level 0 Chain 0:

[0406] CreatCATModel(CHAIN,2D Ring)=>(0,0,0) created

[0407] AddChainChildNode(Level=0, Chain/Tree Index=0, Node Index=0,2D Ring)=>(0,0,1) created

[0408] AddChainChildNode(0,0,1,2D Ring)=>(0,0,2) created

[0409] AddChainChildNode(0,0,2,2D Ring)=>(0,0,3) created

[0410] AddChainChildNode(0,0,3,2D Ring)=>(0,0,4) created

[0411] Create Level 1 Tree 0:

[0412] AddTreeRootNode(0,0,1,2D Ring)=>(0,0,1) becomes Join, (1,0,0) created

[0413] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,0,2D Arc)=>(1,0,1) created

[0414] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,1,Character)=>(1,0,2) created (M)

[0415] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,1,Character)=>(1,0,3) created (E)

[0416] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,1,Character)=>(1,0,4) created (X)

[0417] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,1,Character)=>(1,0,5) created (I)

[0418] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,1,Character)=>(1,0,6) created (C)

[0419] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,1,Character)=>(1,0,7) created (O)

[0420] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,0,2D Arc)=>(1,0,8) created

[0421] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,8,Character)=>(1,0,9) created (.)

[0422] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,8,Character)=>(1,0,10) created (.)

[0423] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,8,Character)=>(1,0,11) created (X)

[0424] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,0,2D Arc)=>(1,0,12) created

[0425] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,12,Character)=>(1,0,13) created (5)

[0426] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,12,Character)=>(1,0,14) created (K)

[0427] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,12,Character)=>(1,0,15) created (F)

[0428] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,0,2D Arc)=>(1,0,16) created

[0429] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,16,Character)=>(1,0,17) created (L)

[0430] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,16,Character)=>(1,0,18) created (M)

[0431] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,16,Character)=>(1,0,19) created (1)

[0432] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,16,Character)=>(1,0,20) created (1)

[0433] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,16,Character)=>(1,0,21) created (9)

[0434] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,16,Character)=>(1,0,22) created (4)

[0435] AddTreeChildNode(1,0,16,Character)=>(1,0,23) created (9)

[0436] Create Level 1 Tree 1:

[0437] AddTreeRootNode(0,0,2,2D Ring)=>(0,0,2) becomes Join, (1,1,0) created

[0438] AddTreeChildNode(1,1,0,Group)=>(1,1,1) created

[0439] AddTreeChildNode(1,1,1,2D Circle)=>(1,1,2) created

[0440] AddTreeChildNode(1,1,1,2D Ring)=>(1,1,3) created

[0441] AddTreeChildNode(1,1,0,Group)=>(1,1,4) created

[0442] AddTreeChildNode(1,1,4,2D Circle)=>(1,1,5) created

[0443] AddTreeChildNode(1,1,4,2D Ring)=>(1,1,6) created

[0444] . . .

[0445] AddTreeChildNode(1,1,0,Group)=>(1,1,40) created

[0446] AddTreeChildNode(1,1,40,2D Circle)=>(1,1,41) created

[0447] AddTreeChildNode(1,1,40,2D Ring)=>(1, 1,42) created

[0448] IV.4 CAT Model Attributes

[0449] In software implementation embodiment of the invention, the CAT model attributes are

[0450] ModelRootNode=(0,0,0)

[0451] numLevels=2

[0452] and the individual node attributes for the example subject are

[0453] Level 0 Chain 0:

[0454] Node (0,0,0)

[0455] nodeClass=ROOT_NODE

[0456] nodeType=CHAIN_NODE

[0457] isJoinNode=false

[0458] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0459] parentNode=NULL

[0460] childnodes=(0,0,1)

[0461] depth=0

[0462] maxDepth=4

[0463] numCATNodes=5

[0464] catComponent=CATRing

[0465] multiResolutionTemplateImage:Image

[0466] centroid:Point

[0467] innerRadius:float

[0468] outerRadius:float

[0469] boundaryPointsStatistics:BoundaryPointsStatistics

[0470] Node (0,0,1)

[0471] nodeClass=NORMAL_NODE

[0472] nodeType=CHAIN_NODE

[0473] isJoinNode=true

[0474] linkedRootNode=(1,0,0)

[0475] parentNode=(0,0,0)

[0476] Geometric relations

[0477] Concentricity

[0478] Adjacency

[0479] Inner touch outer boundary

[0480] childNodes=(0,0,2)

[0481] depth=1

[0482] catComponent=CATRing

[0483] outerRadius:float

[0484] Node (0,0,2)

[0485] nodeClass=NORMAL_NODE

[0486] nodeType=CHAIN_NODE

[0487] isJoinNode=true

[0488] linkedRootNode=(1,1,0)

[0489] parentNode=(0,0,1)

[0490] Geometric relations

[0491] Concentricity

[0492] Adjacency

[0493] Inner touch outer boundary

[0494] childNodes=(0,0,3)

[0495] depth=2

[0496] catComponent=CATRing

[0497] Node (0,0,3)

[0498] nodeClass=NORMAL_NODE

[0499] nodeType=CHAIN_NODE

[0500] isJoinNode=false

[0501] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0502] parentNode=(0,0,2)

[0503] Geometric relations

[0504] Concentricity

[0505] Adjacency

[0506] Inner touch outer boundary

[0507] childNodes=(0,0,4)

[0508] depth=3

[0509] catComponent=CATRing

[0510] Node (0,0,4)

[0511] nodeClass=TAIL_NODE

[0512] nodeType=CHAIN_NODE

[0513] isJoinNode=false

[0514] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0515] parentNode=(0,0,3)

[0516] Geometric relations

[0517] Enclosing

[0518] childNodes=NULL

[0519] depth=4

[0520] catComponent=CATRing

[0521] innerRadius:float

[0522] outerRadius:float

[0523] boundaryPointsStatistics:BoundaryPointsStatistics

[0524] Level 1 Tree 0:

[0525] Node (1,0,0)

[0526] nodeClass=ROOT_NODE

[0527] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0528] isJoinNode=false

[0529] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0530] parentNode=(0,0,1)

[0531] childNodes=(1,0,1) (1,0,8) (1,0,12) (1,0,16)

[0532] depth=0

[0533] maxDepth=2

[0534] numCATNodes=24

[0535] catComponent=CATRing

[0536] Node (1,0,1)

[0537] nodeClass=NORMAL_NODE

[0538] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0539] isJoinNode=false

[0540] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0541] parentNode=(1,0,0)

[0542] Geometric relations

[0543] Concentricity

[0544] childNodes=(1,0,2) (1,0,3) (1,0,4) (1,0,5) (1,0,6) (1,0,7)

[0545] depth=1

[0546] catComponent=CATArc

[0547] children centroid sequential spacing

[0548] Node (1,0,[2,3,4,5,6,7])

[0549] nodeClass=TAIL_NODE

[0550] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0551] isJoinNode=false

[0552] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0553] parentNode=(1,0,1)

[0554] childNodes=NULL

[0555] depth=2

[0556] catComponent=CATCharacter

[0557] character:char

[0558] characterTemplateImage:Image

[0559] Node (1,0,8)

[0560] nodeClass=NORMAL_NODE

[0561] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0562] isJoinNode=false

[0563] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0564] parentNode=(1,0,0)

[0565] Geometric relations

[0566] Concentricity

[0567] childNodes=(1,0,9) (1,0,10) (1,0,11)

[0568] depth=1

[0569] catComponent=CATArc

[0570] children centroid sequential spacing

[0571] Node (1,0,[9,10,11])

[0572] nodeClass=TAIL_NODE

[0573] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0574] isJoinNode=false

[0575] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0576] parentNode=(1,0,8)

[0577] childNodes=NULL

[0578] depth=2

[0579] catComponent=CATCharacter

[0580] character:char

[0581] characterTemplateImage:Image

[0582] Node (1,0,12)

[0583] nodeClass=NORMAL_NODE

[0584] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0585] isJoinNode=false

[0586] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0587] parentNode=(1,0,0)

[0588] Geometric relations

[0589] Concentricity

[0590] childNodes=(1,0,13) (1,0,14) (1,0,15)

[0591] depth=1

[0592] catComponent=CATArc

[0593] children centroid sequential spacing

[0594] Node (1,0,[13,14,15])

[0595] nodeClass=TAIL_NODE

[0596] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0597] isJoinNode=false

[0598] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0599] parentNode=(1,0,12)

[0600] child Nodes=NULL

[0601] depth=2

[0602] catComponent=CATCharacter

[0603] character:char

[0604] characterTemplateImage:Image

[0605] Node (1,0,16)

[0606] nodeClass=NORMAL_NODE

[0607] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0608] isJoinNode=false

[0609] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0610] parentNode=(1,0,0)

[0611] Geometric relations

[0612] Concentricity

[0613] childNodes=(1,0,17) (1,0,18) (1,0,19) (1,0,20) (1,0,21) (1,0,22) (1,0,23)

[0614] depth=1

[0615] catComponent=CATArc

[0616] children centroid sequential spacing

[0617] Node (1,0,[17,18,19, 20,21,22,23])

[0618] nodeClass=TAIL_NODE

[0619] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0620] isJoinNode=false

[0621] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0622] parentNode=(1,0,16)

[0623] childNodes=NULL

[0624] depth=2

[0625] catComponent=CATCharacter

[0626] character:char

[0627] characterTemplateImage:Image

[0628] Level 1 Tree 1:

[0629] Node (1,1,0)

[0630] nodeClass=ROOT_NODE

[0631] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0632] isJoinNode=false

[0633] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0634] parentNode=(0,0,2)

[0635] childNodes=(1,1,1) (1,1,4) (1,1,7) (1,1,10) (1,1,13) (1,1,16) (1,1,19) (1,1,22) (1,1,25) (1,1,28) (1,1,31) (1,1,34) (1,1,37) (1,1,40)

[0636] depth=0

[0637] maxDepth=2

[0638] numCATNodes=43

[0639] catComponent=CATRing

[0640] children centroid sequential spacing

[0641] children count

[0642] Node (1,1, X) for X=1+3Y where Y=0 to 13

[0643] nodeClass=NORMAL_NODE

[0644] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0645] isJoinNode=false

[0646] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0647] parentNode=(1,1,0)

[0648] childNodes=(1,1,2) (1,1,3)

[0649] depth=1

[0650] catComponent=CATRroup

[0651] centroid:Point

[0652] templage:Image

[0653] Node (1,1,X+1)

[0654] nodeClass=TAIL_NODE

[0655] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0656] isJoinNode=false

[0657] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0658] parentNode=(1,1,1)

[0659] childNodes=NULL

[0660] depth=2

[0661] catComponent=CATCircle

[0662] area:int

[0663] templage:Image

[0664] Node (1,1,X+2)

[0665] nodeClass=TAIL_NODE

[0666] nodeType=TREE_NODE

[0667] isJoinNode=false

[0668] linkedRootNode=NULL

[0669] parentNode=(1,1,1)

[0670] childNodes=NULL

[0671] depth=2

[0672] catComponent=CATRing

[0673] area:int

[0674] Those skilled in the art should recognize that other means of CAT model mapping and features and relation specifications could be used without deviating from the essence of this invention.

[0675] The invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to comply with the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components and structures as are required. However, it is to be understood that the inventions can be carried out by specifically different equipment and devices, and that various modifications, both as to the method detail and organization procedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention itself. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An image-based decision method using a multilevel Chain-And-Tree model comprises the following steps: (a) Input at least one reference CAT model basis selected from the set consisting of inspection specification, learning image, and application knowledge; (b) Create a reference CAT model using at least one reference CAT model basis; (c) Input a new image; (d) Create a result CAT model; (e) Compare the reference CAT model and result CAT model to output a measurement result.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprises a step to determine at least one pass/fail status.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the reference CAT model consists of the basic structure and attribute values of an ideal subject and its tolerance ranges.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the result CAT model represents the measurement results of a new image.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the CAT model contains at least one CAT chain.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the CAT model contains at least one CAT tree.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the CAT model contains at least one CAT node.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the CAT node contains CAT component type specification, CAT component feature specification and CAT component relation specification.
 9. The method of claim 5 wherein the CAT chain contains at least one chain root node and at least one chain node.
 10. The method of claim 6 wherein the CAT tree contains at least one tree root node and at least one tree node.
 11. An image-based decision method using a multilevel Chain-And-Tree model comprises the following steps: (a) Input inspection specification; (b) Input at least one learning image; (c) Create a reference CAT model using the inputs; (d) Create a processing CAT model using the inputs and the reference CAT model; (e) Input a new image; (f) Create a result CAT model using the processing CAT model and the new image; (g) Compare the reference CAT model and result CAT model to output at least one result.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprises a step to input application knowledge.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein the result is a measurement result of the new image.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the result is a pass/fail result of the new image.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the reference CAT model consists of the basic structure and attribute values of an ideal subject.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the attribute values of the ideal subject include its tolerance ranges.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein the processing CAT model includes detection methods.
 18. The method of claim 11 wherein the result CAT model represents the measurement results from a new image.
 19. The method of claim 11 wherein the CAT model contains at least one CAT chain.
 20. The method of claim 11 wherein the CAT model contains at least one CAT tree.
 21. The method of claim 11 wherein the CAT model contains at least one CAT node.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the CAT node contains CAT component type specification, CAT component feature specification and CAT component relation specification.
 23. The method of claim 19 wherein the CAT chain contains at least one chain root node and one or more chain nodes.
 24. The method of claim 20 wherein the CAT tree contains at least one tree root node plus one or more tree nodes.
 25. An image-based decision method using a common structure comprises the following steps: (h) Create a reference model having a common structure; (i) Create a processing model having said common structure; (j) Input a new image; (k) Create a result model having said common structure using the processing model and the new image; (l) Compare the reference model and result model to output a result pass/fail status.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the result includes at least one measurement result.
 27. The method of claim 25 wherein the result includes at least one pass/fail status.
 28. The method of claim 25 wherein said common structure is a CAT model.
 29. The method of claim 25 wherein said common structure is a CAD model. 